Legacy Link Spring 2024 Newsletter

The Link

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In This Issue

Message from the CEO

Spring is known for new beginnings and with the new weather comes some exciting opportunities. Over the past few months, we have been able to hear from you during public hearings to decide the services that we will be providing next year. Additionally, we have been working with providers in our area to ensure that needed services are delivered by the best organization possible. While we will be providing most of the same services that we have for many years, the federal regulations that we follow have just been updated for the first time in over 30 years. This change creates new flexibilities and the possibility for increased innovation. We are excited to work with our funders to interpret these new regulations and innovate for the years to come. With these updated regulations, Legacy Link will continue to support and advocate for aging adults and individuals with disabilities to be their link to a better life.

I look forward to the new beginnings that this season will bring. Wishing you and yours a happy spring.

Melissa Armstrong CEO/AAA Director

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Eat more whole foods, and limit processed foods

6 Healthy Eating Habits for Older Adults

As we age, our nutrition needs change—and many older adults don’t eat as well as they should. This can result in malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and a number of chronic diseases. The good news is that it’s never too late to develop better nutrition habits based on the latest healthy eating guidelines. Following a balanced-diet meal plan can help you reduce your risk for illness and stay active and independent for longer. Here are some steps you can take now to enjoy the benefits of healthy eating.

Choose whole foods over processed ones for better health. Whole foods are unprocessed or minimally processed, offering more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants while keeping you fuller and maintaining stable energy levels. Examples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and nuts. Processed foods, though convenient and tasty, are often high in unhealthy additives, sugars, and starches, potentially increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Limit processed foods like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and frozen meals for a healthier diet.

Create a meal plan ahead of time.

Tired and stressed? Don’t let it sabotage your health! Meal planning combats unhealthy choices when you’re short on time or energy. It also saves money by avoiding impulse purchases and reduces environmental impact through less food waste and fewer grocery trips, as noted by registered dietitian Gretchen Tanbonliong. Simply find healthy recipes, create a shopping list, and you’re ready to go! For inspiration, explore MyPlate Kitchen, SNAP-Ed Recipes, or Healthy Aging Recipes. If time is truly scarce, consider meal kit delivery services.

Watch your sodium intake.

High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Limit sodium to 1,500mg daily and use herbs and spices instead of salt.

https://www.ncoa.org/article/6-healthy-eating-habits-for-older-adults

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Drink water with your meals and eat water-rich foods.

Staying hydrated is essential for healthy aging. This is because water is critical for various bodily functions, and certain medications can further impact hydration levels. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 9 to 13 cups of fluids daily for healthy adults. If you have trouble meeting this goal, consider incorporating waterrich foods like fruits, vegetables, and low-sodium soups into your diet.

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Focus on getting enough protein to prevent muscle loss.

Adults lose up to half their muscle mass between 40 and 80. To combat this, healthy eating guidelines recommend sufficient protein intake, especially for older adults. Aim for 68-83 grams daily, spread across meals (25-30 grams each). Good sources include low-fat dairy, meat, seafood, and plant-based options like whole grains, seeds, nuts, beans, and lentils.

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Eat fiber-rich foods.

Most adults lack sufficient fiber, a crucial nutrient for digestion and potentially linked to lower disease risks. Aim for 30 grams (men) or 21 grams (women) daily from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like bananas, beans, apples, and quinoa.

Upcoming Events

Scan below to see our full calendar.

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. We will explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.

SOURCE: https://acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024

In The Community

Senior Day at the Capitol

On February 15th, over 300 people went to the Georgia State Capitol for Senior Day hosted by the Georgia Council on Aging!

Members of the Forsyth delegation who spoke with the seniors were State Sen. Shawn Still (48), State Reps. Carter Barrett (24th), Brent Cox (28th), Rick Jasperse (11th), Todd Jones (25th).

Information Resources

Support

Community

ACAP Hall County Meetings

When:

Time:

Where:

4080 Mundy Mill Road

Oakwood, GA 30566

Cost: Free

ACAP

On February 13th, Adult Children of Aging Parents (ACAP)

May 14 Guide to Caregiving for the Aging Adult

June 11 How to Have Difficult Conversations with Aging Parents

July 9

August 13

September 10

Recognizing Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

Technology to Keep Your Parents Safe and Engaged

Knowing Your Limits and Creating Balance as a Caregiver

Senior Employment

SCSEP Success Story

Angelia Moore had not worked in over 10 years when she found herself needing a job. Despite careers as a dispatcher for local law enforcement, a legal secretary, and a medical transcriptionist, Ms. Moore was unable to find employment due to needing updated skills for today’s job market. Thankfully, a friend told Ms. Moore about The Legacy Link, Inc., and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Ms. Moore began receiving paid training to refresh her job skills within a month. After updating her skills, Ms. Moore began looking for employment again and it seemed as though nothing was working out. Ms. Moore began to feel discouraged and thought that she was not being hired due to her age, having to walk with a cane and living in a small town.

When Ms. Moore heard that Hope Center of Toccoa was hiring for an office manager, she updated her resume to include her new job skills and applied. Ms. Moore kept herself positive, showed up for the interview prepared to knock their socks off; and did. Ms. Moore is now the office manager for Hope Center of Toccoa.

Ms. Moore has always had a passion for helping others and now she is living her dream. As part of her job, Ms. Moore provides meals for the hungry, hats and gloves for those out in the cold, and most importantly, provides a friendly and caring smile to all she meets.

Ms. Moore feels the skills she gained while in the Senior Community Service Employment Program are the reason she was able to put her best foot forward and secure a job doing what she has always dreamed of helping others.

If you are a limited income senior wanting to refresh your job skills through a paid training assignment, call Legacy Link’s SCSEP Program at 770-538-2657.

Monthly Medicare Classes

Georgia SHIP State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Georgia SHIP State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, unbiased information, as well as assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers as they navigate health and drug plans.

Certified Medicare counselors assist people with Medicare to understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

In addition to helping those with Medicare enroll in plans that meet their needs, they can assist with:

• Checking on availability of financial assistance to help with Medicare Costs

• Filing Medicare claims and appeals

• Explaining Medicare Summary Notices

• Reviewing Explanation of Benefits

• Providing educational presentations regarding Medicare to community groups

Georgia SHIP is a public-private partnership, administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Aging Services (DAS).

Maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for healthy aging, but many seniors face challenges that can diminish their interest in cooking. These challenges include medication side effects, changing taste preferences, physical limitations, and even culinary burnout from years of familiar recipes.

A well-balanced diet is essential for seniors to combat various health risks, such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, and diabetes, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Here are some tips to help make cooking healthy meals more convenient:

Pre-cut Produce

Many grocery stores offer pre-cut fruits and vegetables, reducing prep time and effort, especially for those with physical limitations.

Frozen Options

Frozen fruits and vegetables offer convenience and extended shelf life, making them a great option for quick and nutritious meals.

Farmer’s Markets

If mobility allows, visiting farmer’s markets can be a delightful way to access fresh, local produce and connect with the community.

Deliciously Healthy:

Engaging Seniors in the Kitchen

One-Pan Salmon and Vegetables

This easy recipe features flaky salmon, rich in hearthealthy omega-3s and B vitamins, alongside colorful vegetables for added vitamins and minerals. Feel free to customize this recipe by using different fish types, vegetables, or adding potatoes for a more filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 squash or zucchini, sliced into rounds

• ½ onion, cut into wedges

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or your favorite fishseasoning blend

• 2-3 salmon fillets

• 1 lemon, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil (not wax paper). If you don’t have these, you can thoroughly grease the pan with vegetable oil.

2. In a large bowl, toss all veggies with 2 tablespoons of oil and seasoning, then spread them into a single layer on the baking sheet.

3. Nestle your salmon fillets, skin side down, between the vegetables. Brush with remaining olive oil, and top with 2 thin lemon slices each.

4. Roast for 12-15 minutes until salmon is flaky and mostly opaque.

5. Add 1 salmon fillet and a heaping serving of roasted veggies to each plate for a healthy and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/easy-recipes-for-senior-nutrition

Get Involved

Join the Legacy Link community and make a lasting impact!

Scan to donate as a onetime contributor or become a monthly donor, ensuring a continuous flow of support for our mission. Your generosity fuels our cause and paves the way for a brighter future.

Thank you for being a part of the Legacy Link family!

Make An Impact

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Georgia Mountains RSVP Volunteer View

AmeriCorps celebrates 30 Years of Service

Three decades ago, more than 20,000 Americans pledged to get things done for America. They helped more than 1,000 communities nationwide during their first year of service. Since then, more than 1.25 million Americans including AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers have followed in their footsteps, providing billions of hours of results-driven service across each of the 50 states and US territories.

Legacy Link has been proud to sponsor Georgia Mountains RSVP for 27 of those years. We thank all the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers for their dedicated service to North Georgia. Please remember to thank volunteers at your organizations as they support local community services in so many ways.

Join others across the world in celebrating volunteers during National Volunteer Month and Week in April. www.pointsoflight.org/national-volunteer-week/

Volunteer Recognition

Gainesville-Hall Community Service Center

Volunteers serving Hall County through the Service Center and Senior Life Center were treated to a thank you luncheon in October held at the Gainesville Civic Center. Volunteers at the Service Center deliver Meals on Wheels every weekday and those at the Senior Life Center reach out to homebound residents with reassuring calls, teach and assist with Center activities, and provide administrative help at the welcome desk. The Annual Volunteer Luncheon is sponsored by the Community Council on Aging (CCOA) with help from community organizations including Georgia Mountains RSVP. RSVP provided funding, certificates, and volunteer gifts for RSVP volunteers.

Dawson County Senior Services

In December, Dawson County Senior Services treated their RSVP volunteers with insulated grocery bags stuffed with goodies as a thank you for their dedicated service all year long. RSVP volunteers deliver meals to homebound residents each weekday throughout the year across Dawson County. Volunteers also teach yoga, swim, art, and support Center activities for participants. RSVP assisted with funding for food and provided RSVP logoed volunteer gifts and Certificates of Appreciation for their continued service. Many thanks to all their volunteers for donating their time to help make their Center so successful!

RSVP is an AmeriCorps Seniors grant program that matches adults ages 55+ with volunteer service opportunities at government and non-profit agencies. Funding is provided by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering and service, with local sponsorship and funding provided by Legacy Link, Area Agency on Aging. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov. Georgia Mountains RSVP serves 10 counties in north Georgia with over 200 volunteers. Those interested in volunteering through RSVP can contact the program at Legacy Link 770-535-2650.

How Gardening Enhances Senior Well-Being

Gardening is more than just cultivating beautiful blooms or nurturing delicious vegetables. For seniors, it’s a powerful tool to promote both physical and mental well-being.

Stress Reduction and Improved Mood

Studies show that gardening lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone, leading to feelings of calm and reduced blood pressure. Simply spending time in nature and engaging in mindful activity can be incredibly therapeutic.

Enhanced Physical Health

Gardening is a form of moderate exercise, contributing to the recommended daily activity for seniors. It improves mobility and dexterity, strengthens muscles, and increases bone density. Additionally, being outdoors exposes individuals to sunlight, promoting vitamin D production, which is crucial for bone health and immune function.

Reduced Risk of Dementia and Stroke

Research suggests that gardening may help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The cognitive stimulation involved in planning, planting, and caring for plants, along with the sensory experience of touch, smell, and sight, may contribute to this benefit. A study from Stockholm found that regular gardening can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by as much as 30% for people over 60.

Social Connection and Purpose:

Gardening can be a social activity, fostering connections with neighbors and fellow gardening enthusiasts. Sharing knowledge, tips, and the joy of harvest creates a sense of community and belonging, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Safety Tips for Senior Gardeners

• Choose raised garden beds to reduce stress on knees and back.

• Utilize ergonomic tools with comfortable handles.

• Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.

• Wear sun protection and comfortable clothing.

• Gardening offers a multitude of benefits for seniors, making it a well-rounded activity that can significantly improve their quality of life.

So this spring, grab your gardening gloves, step outside, and start cultivating a flourishing garden for a healthier and happier you.

https://www.leisurecare.com/resources/benefits-of-gardening-for-seniors/ https://www.visitingangels.com/knowledge-center/senior-health-and-well-being/senior-care-ideas-how-gardening-can-help-seniors-stay-active/507